I was driving a 2006 Highlander with built-in GPS that was quite good. So when I traded that car in for a 2014 CX-9 I expected a real update. Instead, the CX-9 GPS turned out to be a huge disappointment. There is a pregnant pause after each press of a button or key while you wait for the character to show up on the screen. Then there is the issue with VERY few streets having names. Even main streets that you are crossing usually don't have the names shown. Often when cross streets are shown, only some cryptic number identifies the street, not the street name. Although it is a touch screen, you can't scroll to see what's coming up. And for all of above conveniences, you get to pay annually for map updates which still don't show street names.

I have had the unit checked several times because of the very slow response time and there is nothing the dealer can do to improve it.

I spoke to TomTom who provides the software for this gem, and that's just the way the unit is designed.

I wrote several letters to Mazda explaining the problems and they referred me back to TomTom - it's not their responsibility in spite of the fact that the bill of sale shows that $705 was paid for navigation and that the SD card that holds all the software is imprinted with the Mazda emblem.

Since the issues couldn't be resolved, I requested that Mazda either take back the SD card and refund the money, or at least take it back and compensate me for a Garmin. They refused both requests and told me they would not be replying to further letters.

If there is any possible way to warn prospective Mazda purchasers to check out the GPS unit before paying Mazda for one, please do so. It was a complete rip off and I have purchased a Garmin.